US Presidents at the ballpark

February 15, 2013 2:33 PM

Photo: NYT

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Over one hundred years ago, President William Howard Taft, a portly right-hander, threw out the first ball at a Washington Senators game, a weak lob from the stands to the great Walter Johnson. Note that the President didn't throw a first pitch but stayed up in the stands. less

Over one hundred years ago, President William Howard Taft, a portly right-hander, threw out the first ball at a Washington Senators game, a weak lob from the stands to the great Walter Johnson. Note that the ... more

Photo: NYT

Over one hundred years ago, President William Howard Taft, a portly... Photo-4202653.56915 - seattlepi.com

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President Woodrow Wilson throws out the ceremonial first ball to start the Washington Senators' season on Opening Day 1916.

President Woodrow Wilson throws out the ceremonial first ball to start the Washington Senators' season on Opening Day 1916.

Photo: NYT

President Woodrow Wilson throws out the ceremonial first ball to... Photo-4202658.56915 - seattlepi.com

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This poster was made to commemorate the moment. Notice the bemused ladies behind President Wilson.

This poster was made to commemorate the moment. Notice the bemused ladies behind President Wilson.

Photo: SFC

This poster was made to commemorate the moment. Notice the bemused... Photo-4202659.56915 - seattlepi.com

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President Calvin Coolidge — in typically stoic Coolidge fashion — opens the season at Griffith Stadium before the 1924 game between the Washington Senators and the Athletics.

President Calvin Coolidge — in typically stoic Coolidge fashion — opens the season at Griffith Stadium before the 1924 game between the Washington Senators and the Athletics.

In this Oct. 5, 1933 file photo, President Franklin D. Roosevelt prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Griffith Stadium in Washington before Game 3 of the World Series. Washington Senators manager Joe Cronin, third from right, and New York Giants manager Bill Terry, second from right, look on. Newspapers noted the President uncorked a wild throw that sent the players scrambling. less

In this Oct. 5, 1933 file photo, President Franklin D. Roosevelt prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Griffith Stadium in Washington before Game 3 of the World Series. Washington Senators manager ... more

Three years later, FDR prepares to throw the traditional first pitch in Washington once again. No report on whether this throw was less erratic.

Three years later, FDR prepares to throw the traditional first pitch in Washington once again. No report on whether this throw was less erratic.

Photo: Anonymous, Associated Press 1936

Three years later, FDR prepares to throw the traditional first... Photo-4202662.56915 - seattlepi.com

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Former President of the United States, George W. Bush, and his father former President George H.W. Bush wave to the crowd before the Texas Rangers host the San Francisco Giants in Game Four of the 2010 World Series at Rangers Ballpark. less

Former President of the United States, George W. Bush, and his father former President George H.W. Bush wave to the crowd before the Texas Rangers host the San Francisco Giants in Game Four of the 2010 World ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

Former President of the United States, George W. Bush, and his... Photo-4202663.56915 - seattlepi.com

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George W. Bush, throws out the first pitch as his father George H.W. Bush looks on (and possibly laughs at his son's technique).

George W. Bush, throws out the first pitch as his father George H.W. Bush looks on (and possibly laughs at his son's technique).

Photo: Elsa, Getty Images

George W. Bush, throws out the first pitch as his father George... Photo-4202664.56915 - seattlepi.com

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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter talks with Cuban President Fidel Castro after a friendly game between Cuba and the U.S at the Latinoamericano stadium in Havana in 2002. Carter's visit, the most important by an American since Castro took power, was an attempt to bridge four decades of Cold War feuding between Washington and Havana. less

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter talks with Cuban President Fidel Castro after a friendly game between Cuba and the U.S at the Latinoamericano stadium in Havana in 2002. Carter's visit, the most important by ... more

Photo: RAFAEL PEREZ, REUTERS

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter talks with Cuban President Fidel... Photo-4202665.56915 - seattlepi.com

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Baltimore Orioles' Cal Ripken Jr. greets former President Bill Clinton during pre-game retirement ceremonies for Ripken in Baltimore, October 6, 2001. Clinton was among the dignitaries and former players who spoke about Ripken's career contributions during the ceremony. less

Baltimore Orioles' Cal Ripken Jr. greets former President Bill Clinton during pre-game retirement ceremonies for Ripken in Baltimore, October 6, 2001. Clinton was among the dignitaries and former players who ... more

President Barack Obama and his mom jeans throw out the first pitch of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 14, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.

President Barack Obama and his mom jeans throw out the first pitch of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 14, 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri.

Photo: Tim Sloan, AFP/Getty Images

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President Barack Obama receives a jersey from Hall of Famer Willie Mays and San Francisco Giants General Manager Brian Sabean during an event with the World Series champions in the East Room of the White House July 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. less

President Barack Obama receives a jersey from Hall of Famer Willie Mays and San Francisco Giants General Manager Brian Sabean during an event with the World Series champions in the East Room of the White House ... more

And the most important ballpark Presidents of all: the Washington Nationals' Presidents racers. They are, from left, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, William Taft, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

And the most important ballpark Presidents of all: the Washington Nationals' Presidents racers. They are, from left, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, William Taft, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Photo: Susan Walsh, Associated Press

And the most important ballpark Presidents of all: the Washington... Photo-4202670.56915 - seattlepi.com